The Steward Speakers series has been bringing nationally recognized thought leaders to Indianapolis since 1986, and this year is no different.
For the last 40 years, Steward Speakers has brought thought leaders such as Rev. Al Sharpton, Steve Harvey, Deion Sanders, Nia Long and Melissa Harris-Perry to “invoke, enrich and share a wealth of information” with Hoosier students and community members. Kicking off the 2026 Steward Speaker series, actress, activist and director Erika Anderson will take part in a moderated conversation on Feb. 10 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center.
“We are trying to ensure that Indianapolis is not left out of the conversations as these national thought leaders go across the country,” Matthew Steward, CEO and founder of Steward Speakers, told the Recorder. “We have to keep bringing these thought leaders. We have to keep the discussions going because in that there is growth, and that’s how the next generation learns and is able to keep it going.”
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The theme of this year’s series is “Build Back Better,” and Managing Director Kimberly Bostic said they were intentional about bringing in guests who align with the organization’s educational purpose. This includes investing in the leaders who are investing in their communities, finding luminaries who “have that spark” and will go the extra mile to uplift their neighbors.
“We think of Erika Alexander … She’s an example of someone having to pave their own way,” Bostic said. “Each of the speakers is really committed to giving back. They’re in the work because there’s a passion there; they think bigger than themselves. They think about community, and all of that is how we build a community.”
Steward Speakers also work to ensure their guest speakers have a chance to speak to students — free of charge, of course. On Feb. 10, approximately 1,500 Marion County high school students will have a chance to hear from Alexander at a local church. On Feb. 11, in partnership with the Amp at 16 Tech, Steward Speakers will host a community engagement event for 150-200 students, featuring Alexander, college admissions and career professionals, Bostic said.
Then, on March 12 — in honor of Women’s History Month — journalist, producer and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien will take part in a moderated discussion at Warren Performing Arts Center.
It is “critically important” to have these conversations given the current political climate, Steward said, because Black history is American history, and when institutions such as colleges or not-for-profit organizations retreat, communities and youth lose out.
“I think the biggest piece for Steward Speakers is making sure that our young people in the community know and understand that the opportunities are there,” Bostic added, “that there are people that look like them, that have been successful at all levels, and that they can achieve greatness.”
The Steward Speakers conversation with Erika Alexander takes place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave. The conversation with Soledad O’Brien takes place at 7 p.m. on March 10 at the Warren Performing Arts Center, 9500 E. 16th St.
For more information about upcoming events or to purchase tickets, visit stewardspeakers.org
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
